04/27/09

 

Contact:

Sandra Oberbroeckling, Institute for Design Research and Outreach (IDRO), (515) 294-3721, soberbr@iastate.edu

Public, corporate leaders conduct roundtable to evaluate housing options for Iowans

PERRY, Iowa -- Differing perspectives on the complex issue of housing were discussed during the Iowa Housing Policy Roundtable at the Town/Craft center in Perry, April 22–23.
 
The roundtable was sponsored by Town/Craft, Iowa State University Extension, and the Iowa Finance Authority as part of a joint effort to develop a state housing policy. Key leaders representing builders, developers, lenders and realtors met with technology and field experts, and state agency leaders most able to impact Iowa housing policy. Participants included architects, engineers, contractors, mortgage and realtor groups, builders, housing nonprofits, planners, community leaders, consultants, distinguished academics and state agency directors.
 
Experts presented overviews of past and present housing policy and planning efforts, current research, as well as best practices from other states. Participants reviewed the impact of housing on education, jobs, transportation and the environment.

 

Discussions included the impact of state and federal regulations, programs to encourage sustainability and green building, housing and the arts, and the overall impact of housing on quality of life in the state. Presentations from the Iowa Housing Policy Roundtable will be posted on the Town/Craft and IFA web sites, courtesy of ISU Extension and IFA.

The group of approximately 50 key influencers is considering the creation of a formal name and legal entity for the policy, now under the working title “Consortium for Iowa Housing Policy.” A series of public policy meetings are planned for early summer 2009 to gather information and to encourage active citizen participation in the work to improve Iowa housing policy.

“This is the beginning of a really difficult undertaking,” said Mickey Carlson, Iowa housing policy liaison. “The roundtable participants are the best people to champion this effort because of their diverse perspectives and their ability and willingness to tackle complex, challenging issues.”

Town/Craft is a collaborative effort of the ISU College of Design, ISU Extension Community and Economic Development and Hometown Perry, Iowa to pursue ideas and strategies that strengthen small communities. Find out more at http://www.design.iastate.edu/TownCraft.

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